Long flights Abu Dhabi-Manchester City Behind Defeat

Manchester – One day before the match against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup, Manchester City had just arrived from a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Really players The Citizens fatigue?

With the match held at the Etihad Stadium, plus the emergence of a number of key players, on paper should be subjecting City Middlesbrough. However, City who controlled possession throughout the game and create more opportunities, instead of the 0-2 defeat Boro.

Investigate a investigate, City had just arrived from a long trip to the United Arab Emirates. In these countries, City diving exercises under the warm sun for five days and diving friendly match against Hamburg on Thursday (22/1) then. Counted, City spent five days in the United Arab Emirates.

They then return from Abu Dhabi on Friday (23/1) and traveled for seven hours to reach Manchester. So to Manchester, it was already 20:00.

Meanwhile, the kick-off against Middlesbrough conducted at 15:00 on Saturday (24/1). That means, the players City only had time lag of about 19 hours. This time is not enough. For comparison, a Champions League match only requires the visitors to arrive in the host country at least 24 hours before kick-off.

Nevertheless, the City manager, Manuel Pellegrini denied that the players were exhausted. He also dodged the allegation that his team did not prioritize the FA Cup. When asked whether his team will try to come more quickly if faced in the FA Cup is Chelsea, Pellegrini chose to answer diplomatically.

“Sure, I know what it looks like this issue,” Pellegrini said as quoted by The Independent.

“Everyone should opine. I think, it is not the root cause of our defeat, but I will respect any opinion.”

“In fact, yesterday’s game is not a game against Chelsea. And I do not want to suppose because of that you ask is irrelevant,” said Pellegrini.

City will face Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, Saturday (31/1). The victory over the Blues will make a point between the two cut into two.